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Contributors

Every piece of content on Kickoff is grounded in real experience. These are the collegiate and professional players, coaches, and specialists who made it possible.

Player contributors

Tucker Lepley

Tucker Lepley

Midfielder · UCLA

Oakland Roots — USL Championship

A UCLA standout and three-time Team MVP, Tucker earned Third Team All-American honors from United Soccer Coaches in 2023. Known for his two-way impact, work rate, and competitive drive, Tucker brings a professional-level understanding of what consistency and preparation really look like at the top level.

46

College appearances

12

College goals

10

College assists

40+

Pro appearances

Nico Cavallo

Nico Cavallo

Left Back · Davidson College / UCLA

NYCFC — MLS

Nico began his college career as team captain at Davidson before transferring to UCLA for his graduate season, where he started all 19 matches and earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors. His path to MLS demonstrates the value of adaptability and commitment to earning your spot at every level.

75

College appearances

2

College goals

10

College assists

MLS

Level reached

Nico Benalcazar

Nico Benalcazar

Defender · Wake Forest

Orange County SC — USL Championship

Nico developed through the NYCFC academy and represented the U.S. U16 and U18 National Teams before playing at Wake Forest, where he earned Newcomer of the Year, Defender of the Year, and Player of the Year honors in 2025. With over 100 professional appearances, he brings rare depth of experience across multiple levels of the game.

54

College appearances

100+

Pro appearances

U.S. U16/U18

Youth national team

2025

Player of the Year

John Klein

John Klein

Midfielder · Saint Louis University

Brooklyn FC — USL Championship

A Saint Louis University standout who earned A-10 Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2022, John built one of the most productive college careers of his class with 85 career points across 29 goals and 27 assists. His attacking instincts and technical creativity have carried directly into 90+ professional appearances.

29

Career goals

27

Career assists

85

Career points

90+

Pro appearances

Nate Crockford

Nate Crockford

Goalkeeper · UCLA / Wisconsin

San Jose Earthquakes — MLS

Nate played at both UCLA and Wisconsin, where he recorded seven shutouts to lead the Big Ten in shutouts per game. His path from college to MLS, including stints at FC Cincinnati and DC United, reflects a career built on preparation, consistency, and the mental demands unique to playing goalkeeper at the highest level.

40

College appearances

7

College shutouts

3

Pro clubs

MLS

Level reached

Tommy Silva

Tommy Silva

Left Back · UCLA

Detroit City FC — USL Championship

A four-year starter at UCLA, Tommy was named the 2023 Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year and a 2022 First Team Academic All-American, proof that elite performance on and off the field are not mutually exclusive. With 50+ professional appearances, his career is a model of durability, professionalism, and lifestyle discipline.

70

College appearances

50+

Pro appearances

2023

Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete

2022

Academic All-American

Ryan Becher

Ryan Becher

Central Midfielder · UMBC / UCLA

Fort Wayne FC — USL League One

Ryan played at UMBC before transferring to UCLA, where he earned 2022 NCAA Division I "Best Starting XI" honors. With 60+ professional appearances and 10+ goals at the professional level, his career demonstrates what relentless extra work and technical refinement can produce across positions and environments.

77

College appearances

60+

Pro appearances

10+

Pro goals

2022

Best Starting XI

Beyond the players

Coaches, trainers & specialists

Kickoff's study guides and AI content are also built on the expertise of coaches, nutritionists, athletic trainers, and sport psychologists who work at the highest levels of the game.

Head Athletic Trainer

Currently with Angel City FC and formerly the Head Athletic Trainer for UCLA Men's Soccer, contributing expertise on injury prevention, warm-up protocols, rehab, and daily recovery habits.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

Specialists in sports performance nutrition who advise on game-day fueling, hydration, supplementation, and the nutritional habits of elite athletes.

Sport Psychologists

Division I and professional-level sport and clinical sport psychologists, including work with Real Salt Lake, covering mental performance, focus, pressure management, and mindset.

Performance Therapists and S&C Coaches

Strength, conditioning, and performance therapy professionals from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and William & Mary contributing to Kickoff's training and recovery content.

NCAA Head Coaches

Current and former Division I and III head coaches from UCLA, University of the Pacific, Lehigh University, Roanoke College, and Randolph College, providing recruiting, tactical, and development insights.

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